Talking photography & what really matters

When I started my freelancing career as a photographer I've been told that in Sydney it is not easy to network with other photographers, they've got their own circles and they rather stay there than be open towards the newbies. Hm.

This thought comes back each and every time I come across a photographer who I get the chance to have a chat with. From my experience as long as I am open and not afraid to talk about what I do, how I do it - even if I know that some of it might not sound or be cool and fancy - the other photographer will be just as open and honest and friendly as I am. (And then we laugh together about how we battle between 2-3 jobs to make sure there's enough $ on the table to fund our businesses)

I went out with the girls last night. At the bar we've been directed to sit in an area which must have been reserved for someone before because there were only a few people sitting there. It also seemed to be the chilling spot for the photographer too who I happened to start chatting with. We ended up talking for a long time, it was probably more than what a noisy bar is designed for, but if you let me talk about photography then good luck to you; it will be a long one so you better get comfy and get yourself another drink before I start! :)

I really hope I didn't dominate the conversation too much or bore him. I think I let him talk too because however I really don't remember how long we were sitting there chatting, but I got this really sweet text message from this same photographer a little later:

"It was nice talking photography with you, it's great to see the passion you have, I'm sure you will be very successful."

I believe that if you leave the smoke and mirrors at home, keep your focus on what you love and talk about the bumps and holes too on that road you are on towards becoming a successful artist; people will be more interested in you and your work and encourage you much more. They might even look up to you and start to believe that only talking about the flash equipment or the next big thing on the market are not the things that will make anyone a bigger and better artist/business person.

What you really need in whatever business you are in is passion for what you do. It really is that simple.

Keep this in mind and thank me later. ;)